The national median surgical tech salary was $64,650 per year, or $31.08 per hour, in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The mean was $68,710 per year, or $33.03 per hour.
For students and career changers, pay is only one part of this decision. Surgical technology offers a direct role in operating room care alongside surgeons and nurses, one of the clinical team roles in a hospital, but it also involves long periods on your feet, close attention to sterile technique and schedules that may include nights, weekends and on-call hours. Comparing the wage range, work settings, training and daily responsibilities can help you decide whether the career fits both your financial goals and the way you want to work.
What the Pay and Career Data Show
- The May 2025 national median was $64,650 annually and $31.08 hourly, while reported percentile wages extended from $45,940 at the 10th percentile to $96,940 at the 90th percentile.
- Hospitals employed 71% of surgical technologists in 2025, and median wages were similar across hospitals, outpatient care centers and physicians’ offices.
- Hawaii had the highest state median wage at $82,640, while California had the most surgical technologist jobs among states with 11,920.
- Surgical technologist employment is projected to grow 5% from 2025 to 2035, rising from 118,400 to 124,300 jobs.
National Surgical Tech Pay
The national median tells you where the middle of the wage distribution falls, but it does not describe the full range. The BLS May 2025 national estimates for surgical technologists report annual and hourly wages at several percentiles, along with a mean annual wage of $68,710 and mean hourly wage of $33.03.
| Wage measure | Annual wage | Hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,940 | $22.09 |
| 25th percentile | $54,690 | $26.29 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $64,650 | $31.08 |
| 75th percentile | $79,750 | $38.34 |
| 90th percentile | $96,940 | $46.61 |
| Mean (average) | $68,710 | $33.03 |
The pay table above shows a substantial spread. The 10th-percentile estimate was $45,940 per year, or $22.09 per hour, while the 90th-percentile estimate was $96,940 per year, or $46.61 per hour. The 25th percentile was $54,690 annually and the 75th percentile was $79,750. These are points on the national wage scale, not starting salaries.
The distinction between median and mean also matters. The median is the boundary where half of workers earn more and half earn less. The mean is calculated by dividing total wages by the number of employees. Because the mean of $68,710 was higher than the median of $64,650, using the median gives you a clearer benchmark for the worker in the middle of the national distribution.
How to Compare BLS Pay With a Job Offer
A posted salary or hourly rate may not tell you the complete value of a surgical tech position. The BLS definition of OEWS wages covers straight-time gross pay and excludes premium pay. Overtime, shift differentials, on-call pay, holiday premiums, weekend premiums, nonproduction bonuses and year-end bonuses are not included in the estimates.
Benefits are separate as well. OEWS figures represent wages and salaries rather than employer costs for nonwage benefits such as health insurance or employer retirement contributions. That means two offers with the same base wage may differ once you compare their schedules, premiums and benefits. Ask an employer to separate the base rate from any additional compensation so you can compare it fairly with the national, state and setting medians.
The annual estimates also assume a full-time, year-round schedule of 2,080 hours. If an offer is hourly, compare its base rate with the hourly BLS figure before adding possible overtime or shift pay. If the position is part time, the annual estimate will not represent the amount you would earn on that reduced schedule, even though the OEWS survey covers both part-time and full-time wage and salary workers.
Pay and Employment by Work Setting
Work setting matters, although the largest surgical technologist settings do not all have sharply different median wages. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook data for surgical technologists report 2025 employment shares and May 2025 median annual wages for the largest industries. The BLS includes ambulatory surgical centers within outpatient care centers.
| Work setting | Share of surgical tech jobs (2025) | Median annual wage (May 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals (state, local and private) | 71% | $65,020 |
| Outpatient care centers (including ambulatory surgical centers) | 10% | $64,670 |
| Offices of physicians | 11% | $64,590 |
| Administrative and support services | 4% | $62,400 |
| Offices of dentists | 2% | $48,190 |
The setting table above shows that hospitals employed 71% of surgical technologists and reported a median wage of $65,020. Outpatient care centers employed 10% and had a $64,670 median, while physicians’ offices employed 11% and had a $64,590 median. Those three medians were close, so the schedule and the work itself may matter more to your choice than the setting’s pay.
Administrative and support services had a median of $62,400 and accounted for 4% of jobs. Dentists’ offices employed 2% and had a median of $48,190, the lowest among the five settings shown. When comparing openings, consider the work schedule and responsibilities alongside the base wage. Hospital positions, for example, may involve nights, weekends, holidays, on-call coverage and shifts longer than eight hours.
Surgical Tech Salary by State
Location produces some of the widest differences in surgical technologist pay. The BLS May 2025 state estimates for surgical technologists provide employment, median annual wage and mean annual wage figures for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
| State | Employment | Median annual wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2,480 | $49,420 | $50,680 |
| Alaska | 310 | $80,380 | $79,670 |
| Arizona | 2,410 | $72,260 | $72,640 |
| Arkansas | 1,640 | $57,400 | $57,940 |
| California | 11,920 | $81,310 | $82,810 |
| Colorado | 2,100 | $75,740 | $72,820 |
| Connecticut | 1,220 | $79,890 | $76,710 |
| Delaware | 340 | $62,250 | $64,320 |
| District of Columbia | 340 | $77,520 | $70,610 |
| Florida | 9,120 | $62,440 | $64,360 |
| Georgia | 4,380 | $64,010 | $64,610 |
| Hawaii | 290 | $82,640 | $73,790 |
| Idaho | 1,100 | $72,550 | $69,990 |
| Illinois | 3,570 | $64,650 | $70,070 |
| Indiana | 2,680 | $64,240 | $66,930 |
| Iowa | 950 | $60,540 | $60,450 |
| Kansas | 1,200 | $60,600 | $59,880 |
| Kentucky | 1,440 | $60,490 | $61,370 |
| Louisiana | 2,230 | $57,370 | $55,870 |
| Maine | 470 | $62,860 | $65,140 |
| Maryland | 1,880 | $68,970 | $69,740 |
| Massachusetts | 2,220 | $80,870 | $83,820 |
| Michigan | 3,840 | $63,320 | $64,590 |
| Minnesota | 1,770 | $80,210 | $79,670 |
| Mississippi | 1,110 | $49,810 | $53,190 |
| Missouri | 2,100 | $61,120 | $60,980 |
| Montana | 490 | $60,970 | $60,440 |
| Nebraska | 770 | $63,880 | $65,290 |
| Nevada | 1,110 | $75,480 | $74,880 |
| New Hampshire | 370 | $75,040 | $72,380 |
| New Jersey | 2,780 | $77,200 | $75,640 |
| New Mexico | 540 | $51,780 | $58,580 |
| New York | 6,540 | $79,550 | $81,990 |
| North Carolina | 4,400 | $60,920 | $61,530 |
| North Dakota | 370 | $61,640 | $60,860 |
| Ohio | 3,730 | $62,420 | $64,770 |
| Oklahoma | 1,940 | $61,190 | $60,450 |
| Oregon | 1,090 | $81,390 | $80,990 |
| Pennsylvania | 4,490 | $62,680 | $63,480 |
| Rhode Island | 240 | $74,130 | $73,920 |
| South Carolina | 2,680 | $62,160 | $60,050 |
| South Dakota | 600 | $59,870 | $58,390 |
| Tennessee | 3,310 | $60,530 | $60,110 |
| Texas | 10,160 | $65,220 | $66,640 |
| Utah | 1,170 | $62,720 | $65,620 |
| Vermont | 140 | $60,660 | $64,550 |
| Virginia | 1,910 | $67,580 | $71,790 |
| Washington | 2,510 | $77,270 | $78,400 |
| West Virginia | 580 | $49,110 | $52,290 |
| Wisconsin | 2,180 | $74,120 | $72,530 |
| Wyoming | 210 | $58,850 | $59,730 |
The state table above shows that Hawaii had the highest annual median among the 51 jurisdictions, at $82,640. Oregon followed at $81,390, California at $81,310, Massachusetts at $80,870 and Alaska at $80,380.
At the other end, West Virginia had the lowest median at $49,110. Alabama reported $49,420, Mississippi $49,810, New Mexico $51,780 and Louisiana $57,370. Use the table to identify a reasonable local comparison before reviewing a position’s base rate, premiums, benefits and schedule.
The states with the most jobs were not identical to the highest-paying states. California had the largest estimated employment among states, with 11,920 surgical technologists, followed by Texas with 10,160, Florida with 9,120 and New York with 6,540. California combined high employment with an $81,310 median, while Texas had a $65,220 median, Florida $62,440 and New York $79,550. If you are considering relocation, compare both the number of jobs and the wage distribution rather than assuming the highest median represents the largest employment market.
Surgical Technologist Duties Before, During and After Surgery
Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment and assist doctors and first assistants during surgery. They work alongside surgeons, physicians, registered nurses and other healthcare workers.
Before Surgery
According to the BLS, preparation includes setting up instruments and equipment, preparing sterile solutions and medications and confirming that equipment works. Technologists may position and drape patients, disinfect incision sites and help the surgical team put on sterile gowns. This stage suits someone who can follow exact procedures and notice missing or misplaced supplies before a case begins.
During Surgery
During an operation, the technologist passes sterile instruments and supplies to surgeons and first assistants. The role may also include holding retractors, holding internal organs in place, setting up robotic surgical equipment and handling specimens for laboratory analysis. Technologists count instruments and other supplies to help ensure that nothing is retained in the patient, while maintaining the sterile environment intended to prevent infection.
After Surgery
After the procedure, a surgical technologist may apply bandages or dressings, help transfer the patient to a recovery room and restock the operating room. The work therefore extends beyond passing instruments. You contribute to preparation, the procedure itself and the transition to the next stage of patient care.
Physical Demands and Work Schedules
Surgical technology is hands-on work in a controlled clinical environment. The BLS notes that operating room staff wear scrubs, sterile gowns, gloves, caps and masks. Surgical technologists spend long periods on their feet and may need to move patients or lift heavy trays of supplies. They may also encounter communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors and materials.
The occupation has one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses across all occupations. Slips, falls and overexertion are among the possible causes. Proper lifting techniques, established safety practices and slip-resistant shoes help reduce risk. Physical stamina matters, as does the ability to stay composed in a stressful operating room.
Most surgical assistants and technologists work full time. In hospitals, they may work or remain on call at night, on weekends and during holidays. Some shifts last longer than eight hours. Before accepting a position, ask how often on-call coverage occurs, how shifts are assigned and which premium payments apply. Those details affect both your routine and total compensation, even though premium pay is not part of OEWS wage estimates.
If you are interested in surgery but have not spent time around an operating room, learning what operating room observation for high school students involves can help you understand the environment before committing to a training program.
Training, Certification and First Assistant Roles
Surgical technologists typically need a certificate or associate’s degree from an accredited program, according to the BLS education and credential overview. Programs are available through many community colleges and vocational schools, as well as some universities and hospitals. Before enrolling, confirm that the program’s accreditation and clinical training meet the requirements of employers and any regulations in the state where you plan to work.
Coursework commonly covers anatomy, microbiology, physiology, patient care and safety. Students also learn sterilization methods, infection control and how to set up technical or robotic equipment. Supervised clinical experience provides an opportunity to apply those lessons in a healthcare setting.
Certification may help you find a job, and some employers require it. Earning certification typically involves completing an accredited education program or military training program and passing an examination. Many positions also require CPR certification, basic life support certification or both. Because some states regulate the work of surgical assistants and technologists, check the applicable rules before choosing a program or seeking employment.
Surgical Technologist Versus Surgical First Assistant
A surgical technologist and a surgical first assistant are separate roles. The technologist prepares the operating room, manages sterile instruments and supports the surgical team. A surgical first assistant may help the surgeon make incisions, place clamps and close surgical sites. Some surgical assistants complete a formal surgical assisting program. Others first work as surgical technologists and then receive additional on-the-job training to become first assistants.
How Pay Compares With Related Healthcare Careers
Surgical technologist median pay of $64,650 in May 2025 was above the $50,980 median for all occupations but below the $86,530 median for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations. The comparison gives you a broad reference, but training routes and daily responsibilities differ substantially across healthcare careers.
In the BLS similar occupations comparison, diagnostic medical sonographers had median pay of $96,590 and typically entered with an associate’s degree. Sonographers create internal images with ultrasound equipment rather than supporting operations at the sterile field. IMA’s diagnostic medical sonographer salary guide provides a closer look at that occupation’s compensation.
Registered nurses had median pay of $97,550 and typically entered with a bachelor’s degree in the BLS comparison. Surgical technologists may later move into registered nursing, but doing so usually requires more education, training and licensure. If that path interests you, compare the additional preparation with the compensation discussed in IMA’s nursing salary guide.
Other comparison points include cardiovascular technologists and technicians at a $74,310 median, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses at $64,400 and medical assistants at $45,690. Surgical assistants, a separate occupation from surgical technologists, had a May 2025 median of $66,800.
Advancement does not have to mean leaving the operating room immediately. Some technologists become first assistants, while others pursue nursing or become postsecondary teachers of health specialties. Each move may require additional education, training, certification or licensing, so plan for that preparation if you see surgical technology as a step toward another role.
Surgical Technologist Job Outlook
The BLS employment projections show surgical technologist jobs increasing from 118,400 in 2025 to 124,300 in 2035. That is an increase of 5,900 jobs, or 5%, compared with projected growth of 3% for all occupations.
The Handbook groups surgical technologists and surgical assistants when reporting annual openings. For those two occupations combined, the BLS projects about 8,600 openings per year from 2025 through 2035. Many are expected to result from workers moving to other occupations or leaving the labor force, rather than from newly created positions alone.
The BLS expects an aging population and more surgeries among people of all ages to support demand. It also anticipates heightened demand in outpatient settings, including ambulatory surgery centers, as advances in medical technology and changes in insurance policies allow more procedures to take place there. For you, that points to growing demand, including in outpatient surgery centers as well as hospitals.
Deciding Whether Surgical Technology Fits You
Surgical technology may suit you if you want direct operating room responsibilities, can maintain focus under pressure and are comfortable with physically demanding work. The national median provides a useful pay benchmark, while the state and setting tables show why a local offer deserves a closer comparison.
Your next step is to compare accredited training options, state requirements and employer expectations in the area where you hope to work. Then look beyond the base wage by asking about schedules, on-call duties, premium pay and benefits. A career choice is stronger when the compensation, working conditions and role itself all fit what you want from healthcare work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Surgical Tech Hourly Pay?
The May 2025 mean surgical tech hourly pay was $33.03, while the median was $31.08. The median represents the midpoint of the wage distribution and is usually the better benchmark for comparing a typical offer.
Which States Pay Surgical Techs the Most?
Hawaii had the highest May 2025 median surgical technologist wage at $82,640. Oregon, California, Massachusetts and Alaska rounded out the top five.
Do Surgical Techs Make More in Hospitals or Outpatient Surgery Centers?
Hospitals had a slightly higher May 2025 median at $65,020, compared with $64,670 in outpatient care centers. The BLS includes ambulatory surgical centers within the outpatient care center category.
Do Surgical Technologists Need Certification?
Not always, but certification may help you find a job and some employers require it. Certification typically requires an accredited education or military training program followed by an examination, while many jobs also require CPR or basic life support certification.
What Is the Difference Between a Surgical Tech and a Surgical First Assistant?
A surgical technologist prepares the room, maintains sterile supplies and passes instruments during surgery. A surgical first assistant works more directly with the surgeon on tasks that may include making incisions, placing clamps and closing surgical sites.
Is Surgical Technology a Growing Field?
Yes. Surgical technologist employment is projected to grow 5% from 2025 to 2035, from 118,400 to 124,300 jobs. The projected rate is faster than the 3% average for all occupations.
What Schedule Do Surgical Technologists Work?
Most surgical assistants and technologists work full time. Hospital employees may work or be on call during nights, weekends and holidays, and some shifts may last longer than eight hours.
